NEW WORK

AT ANTIPODES

Since Antipodes was founded in 2019, we’ve created a robust variety of programs committed to supporting bold work and new ideas.

Below are the current programs available, as of 2026, for all Writers and Creators. Whether you’re applying for the first time, a returning applicant or your project has already participated in one our programs - our aim is provide opportunities for projects at all stages of development.

For more information on Antipodes Theatre Company, read about company Mission and Core Values. We’re also in the process of preparing a new manifesto Approach to New Work (check back soon!)

SUBMISSION BASED:

PLAY IN A DAY: a community-led creative exercise.

ARTIST-LED RESIDENCIES: for those who need a dedicated space.

NEW WORK PLAYGROUND: for those who need feedback.

ANNUAL WINTER LAB - Two week residency.

INVITE ONLY:

ANTIPODES LED: DEDICATED DEVELOPMENT

INVITE ANTIPODES TO JOIN YOU:

EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES: DEDICATED DEVELOPMENT

OTHER NEW WORK PROGRAMS‍ ‍

SUBMISSION BASED:

PLAY IN A DAY

  • Established 2023.

    A creative marathon where four writers, four directors and eight actors have a combined 24hours to write, rehearse and stage original 10-minute plays. (What could go wrong?!)

    • Space provided.

    • Equipment provided.

    • Dinner provided on performance evening.

    • Professional event photography.

    • No artist fees included.

    • Applicants who appreciate the challenge of a playful, low stakes commitment with a quick turnaround.

    • Original plays are generated solely for the event.

    • Not suitable for existing projects/ideas. Writers should generate the play in the spirit of the event, with the prompts and team members provided.

    • Open to Naarm-based artists only.

  • There are no expectations for the plays beyond the event.

    Writers may choose to expand on their plays and pursue further opportunities at Antipodes or elsewhere.

Learn more!

SUBMISSION BASED:

ARTIST-LED RESIDENCIES

  • Established 2026.

    These artist-led residencies provide opportunities for creators of new work to explore, play, and experiment in a dedicated work space for one- or two-week residencies throughout the year.

    • Space provided.

    • Equipment provided.

    • Mentorship, feedback, planning and facilitation support from Antipodes.

    • No artist/hire fees included.

    • Projects at any stage of development that would benefit from a large space to work in.

    • Projects that originated or have participated in any of our other Antipodes New Work programs are welcome to apply.

    • At least one Lead Artist must be Naarm-based.

  • There are no performance expectations as part of the Residency, nor expectations of continued development.

    Writers may choose to pursue further opportunities for the project at Antipodes or elsewhere.

Learn more!

SUBMISSION BASED:

NEW WORK PLAYGROUND

  • Established 2025.

    Three text-based new works intended for live performance (i.e plays, musicals etc) present 15-minute excerpts to gain feedback and insight from working industry professionals and their peers.

    2025 New Work Playground

    COMING SOON: A full-day session consisting of read-through and feedback for projects that have a full script draft.

    • Provided space for a single rehearsal ahead of the session.

    • Panel of industry professionals.

    • Opportunity to engage/network with peers before and between presentations.

    • No artist fees included (COMING SOON: full-day session with funding available).

    • Projects at any stage of development.

    • Projects that originated or have participated in any of our other Antipodes New Work programs may apply.

    • At least one Lead Artist must be Naarm-based.

  • There are no expectations for the project beyond the event.

    Writers may choose to pursue further opportunities for the project at Antipodes or elsewhere.

More to be announced soon!

SUBMISSION BASED:

ANNUAL WINTER LAB

  • Established 2020.

    Over a two-week intensive, a thriving community of writers, directors, dramaturges, actors and other artists come together to support each project while simultaneously participating in group workshops, social events and other activities designed to forge connections and build community.

    • Mentorship, feedback, planning and facilitation support from Antipodes.

    • Detailed feedback from a panel of industry professionals.

    • Dedicated work space during the Lab.

    • As of 2026, between $5,000 - $8,000 in artist fees is allocated to each successful project + in-kind support, provided meals, printing and more!

    • Projects at any stage of development, although this program is not well-suited to projects seeking to hold rehearsals or ready for production.

    • Projects that originated or have participated in any of our other Antipodes New Work programs may apply.

    • Open to interstate Lead Artists - travel and accommodation support provided, if necessary.

  • There are no performance expectations as part of the Lab, nor expectations of continued development.

    Writers may choose to pursue further opportunities for the project at Antipodes. However, Antipodes does request right of first refusal to be involved in the next stage of development or production for any work that is developed as part of the Winter Lab. Details of this right would be mutually agreed upon, but not unreasonably withheld. Antipodes could accept a Lead Producer or co-Producer role, where necessary.

Learn more!

INVITATION ONLY:

ANTIPODES LED

DEDICATED DEVELOPMENT

  • Established 2022.

    Led by Antipodes, these one-to-two week intensives pull together vital collaborators for the next stage of development - devising, workshopping and discussing and material.

    Previous participants include:

    • Mentorship, feedback, planning and facilitation support from Antipodes.

    • A dedicated work space.

    • As of 2026, up to $5000 in artist fees + other in-kind support!

    • Projects at any stage of development.

    • Although not a hard-and-fast rule, this program is generally only available to projects that originated or have participated in other Antipodes New Work programs.

  • Goals will be set at the beginning of the process. Typically this program culminates in a presentation (can be open to the public or invite-only) of all existing work.

    Writers may choose to pursue further opportunities for the project at Antipodes. However, Antipodes does request right of first refusal to be involved in the next stage of development or production. Details of this right would be mutually agreed upon, but not unreasonably withheld. Antipodes could accept a Lead Producer or co-Producer role, where necessary.

INVITE ANTIPODES TO JOIN YOU:

EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES

DEDICATED DEVELOPMENT

  • Established 2021.

    When Lead Artists pursue development or funding opportunities outside of Antipodes, they can invite Antipodes to continue with them and provide additional support/resources.

    Projects that have an agreed right of first refusal must offer Antipodes the option to join.

    Previous examples include:

    • Mentorship, feedback, planning and facilitation support from Antipodes.

    • If deemed appropriate, artist fees, space and equipment may be offered.

    • Projects at any stage of development.

    • Projects that originated or have participated in any of our other Antipodes New Work programs.

  • As required by the external party. Additional goals may be set at the beginning of the process.

    Writers may choose to pursue further opportunities for the project at Antipodes. However, Antipodes does request right of first refusal to be involved in the next stage of development or production. Details of this right would be mutually agreed upon, but not unreasonably withheld. Antipodes could accept a Lead Producer or co-Producer role, where necessary.

    • Reach out if you’re thinking of applying for an external opportunity and we can advise!

    • Forward us any offers and ask for what you need or what we would suggest.

OTHER NEW WORK PROGRAMS

  • While Antipodes cannot commit to producing or further developing all works that go through our development programs, we view all programs as a valuable opportunity to get to know artists and make connections that may lead to other opportunities in the future.

    As of 2025, Antipodes abides by a Co-Production model where we are responsible for contributing up to half of the overall budget for a production. The other half must be covered by the venue, grants or other confirmed funding outcomes.

    Previous New Work Productions include:

  • The Australian Musical Theatre Collective (AMTAC) provides a collaborative space for artists to develop and share new Australian musicals. Through partnerships with industry professionals, AMTAC offers feedback, support, and insights that creators can apply to their original works. The Hatch Lab mini development sessions, hosted at Antipodes HQ since August 2024, play a key role in this initiative. Learn more at Salty Theatre.

  • Currently on hiatus.

    Discover new theatre and experience live music, one-night-only performances, and daring new ideas that have never been seen before!

    Approximately 9-14 events spanning two to three weeks.

    2023 Festival of the Unseen

    2025 Festival of the Unseen

  • Currenly on hiatus.

    The Summer Lab provides ongoing support to previous Winter Lab projects, culminating in an in-development performance, a staged reading or a ‘sneak peek’ open session.

    2025 Summer Lab

  • This program began in 2019 and concluded in 2021.

    Play readings of original Australian work, as well as international work that had yet to be performed In Australia.

    More info available here.